Advancing Adult Health Careers Training for Grossmont Union High School District
Having successfully collaborated on numerous education projects, Grossmont Union High School District once again turned to HED—this time with a distinct challenge. The District’s adult education program was housed in modular buildings that had deteriorated structurally and could no longer support long-term use. The need was not simply to replace outdated facilities, but to create permanent buildings that would inspire and enable adult learners to pursue industry-standard training in health careers.
HED approached the project by drawing on its combined expertise in both education and healthcare design. The goal was to create state-of-the-art learning environments that reflected the standards of professional healthcare settings while remaining financially accessible. Programs supported in the new complex include Dental Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Vocational Nursing, EMT, and Phlebotomy. Each space was designed to replicate real-world conditions as closely as possible, equipping students with the skills and confidence to transition seamlessly into the workforce.
Budget management was one of the District’s most pressing challenges. Rather than invest further in repairing the structurally compromised modular buildings, the team determined that replacing them with permanent facilities would provide the greatest long-term value. The result is a 16,670-square-foot complex composed of medical training labs, vocational classrooms, and support spaces that set a new standard for adult health careers education in the region.
The buildings were carefully designed to integrate with the existing campus context. Their scale aligns with surrounding structures, occupying the footprint of the prior modulars while providing significantly enhanced durability and presence. Architectural features such as low profiles, deep overhangs, and exterior breezeways connect the buildings to the landscape, while abundant windows bring daylight into classrooms and labs. These design strategies promote comfort, reduce reliance on artificial lighting, and strengthen the connection between learners and their environment.
Beyond physical upgrades, the project carries broader significance. By investing in high-quality yet affordable facilities, Grossmont Union High School District affirms its commitment to adult learners seeking careers in healthcare. A field that remains critical to community well-being and economic vitality. The new buildings offer an elevated learning experience that reflects professional standards, demonstrating to students that their training is valued and their futures are worth investing in.
In replacing inadequate modulars with permanent, thoughtfully designed facilities, the District and HED created a platform for opportunity, preparing learners to meet the demands of healthcare careers while enriching the broader community with a skilled and capable workforce.
“The new labs will help us to achieve our mission which is to provide affordable quality education for those interested in employment preparation, skill advancement, and/or personal fulfillment in health-related fields.”
